If you buy one pair of shoes this winter, make it a…

If you buy one pair of shoes this winter, make it a pair of chunky loafers

From Bride and Prejudice to mankinis and Marmite peanut butter, some ‘twists’ on classics are, frankly, intolerable. Classics are classics for a reason, and generally best left untampered with.

This season however brings with it an exception to the rule, with a twist on an established footwear stalwart that is not merely tolerable, but frankly goddam glorious.

The item in question? The chunky loafer.

A beefed up, badass version of the classic penny style, the classic loafer’s chunky cousin shot to the front of the footwear agenda when Prada launched the most perfect pair of thick-soled black triangular logo-plated loafers as part of its Pre-Fall 2020 collection.

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A post shared by SOFIA COELHO (@sofiamcoelho) on Sep 13, 2020 at 8:18am PDT

Prada’s pair has been warmly embraced by the fashion set, and since then several brands have added brilliantly beefed up loafers to their ranges.

“We are seeing a great reaction from brands such as Prada, Gianvito Rossi, Proenza Schouler and Marni,” says Cassie Smart, Head of Womenswear Buying at Matches. “The thick soles add a rebellious edge to the classic loafer shape and look great styled with tailoring or a romantic dress.”

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Loving sunny afternoons🖤

A post shared by Pernille Teisbaek (@pernilleteisbaek) on Oct 15, 2020 at 11:22am PDT

Influencers like Pernille Teisbaek, Emilie Sindlev and Sofia Coelho have all worn theirs with bare legs and white socks, but should your al fresco social life require a little more layering, loafers look lovely with straight leg jeans or this season’s logo tights.

Smart enough for the office but equally comfortable for pottering to the shops, and with added height that makes them perfect for piloting puddles, this seasons loafers are a brilliant way to channel back to school, only cooler.